Birthday venue that appeals to kids of many ages and adults?
When my daughter turns 5 later this year, I am hoping to invite both her classmates, and family friends, with kids aged 1-15.
What might be a good venue that both the kids and the parents would enjoy? We will likely celebrate in winter, so venues with some indoor space would be ideal.
Sep 26, 2019
Parent Replies
Welcome to the Chuck E Cheese age!
A friend once invited our son to a birthday party at one of those ceramic painting places. I didn't realize when I brought my little guy that parents could paint too. Even his teenage older siblings were painting too. It was really quite nice and fun. I painted a butter dish and sprinkled broken bits of colored ceramics on top. When I finally got it back all glazed and fired, it looked gorgeous. I still get compliments on it today - and mind you arts and crafts are not my strength by any means. It was a really fun and relaxing day. Afterwards we went to the bowling alley (we were in Alameda at that mall, so it was right near by). That's another venue that can incorporate multiple ages, but a bit louder. Other than that I would suggest a bbq or picnic in the park with games that all can participate in - easy games or a family soccer game. We've really enjoyed those too.
Sky High Sports in Concord is a great indoor option, and kids (and adults) of all ages love to jump on trampolines. There's also Pump It Up in Oakland, but you'd have to check on any age restrictions since those are big jump houses as opposed to trampoline rooms. Bladium in Alameda has fun rock climbing parties that would be good for most ages, but maybe not 1-3 year olds. Bladium also does a variety of other sports related parties, all indoors. Oakland Ice Center also does ice skating birthday parties.
What about bowling? I've seen kids as young as 3 have fun with it. I don't know of anything engaging for toddlers that also appeals to older ages.
Bladium is very fun. Kids run around and play. Adults can sit and drink wine and chat. You can buy wine and beer from Bladium's bar. (You cannot bring in your own.) But, you CAN bring in your own food, although the party package includes pizza. It's very easy and fun for everyone. We've done it twice for Dec. birthday celebration.
We had a party at Art Buzz Kids (a division of Wine & Design - a paint and sip studio in Jack London, Oakland). Our 6-year old invited her classmates and cousins (ranging in ages from 10-16) and everyone had fun. Some adults even painted - artist/instructor gave detailed instructions on how to paint and the canvas was even outlined so everyone was able to paint what it was supposed to look like. You can bring your own food and they even sell wine & beer so adults can drink if they want.